ANTONIO GUTERRES, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General says climate crisis is a peace and security crisis, as it intensifies conflict over natural resources, inflating food prices and increasing geopolitical tensions.

He made these remarks on Saturday when presenting his message in commemoration of International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict at the UN Climate Conference in Glasgow, England.
Mr Guterres said about one in every five people is living in an area affected by fragility, conflict or violence.

He said the assault on the planet is driving instability, displacement and confrontation, and making their quest for peace ever more difficult.
“Protecting the environment is essential to preserving peace. The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict recognises the environment as yet another victim of war,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General highlighted that crops are torched, water wells polluted, and soils poisoned to gain short-term military advantages, with devastating consequences that can last decades.
He noted that protecting the environment is integral to conflict prevention, peace building and sustainable development, because there can be no durable peace if the natural resources that sustain livelihoods and ecosystems are destroyed.
He further said the time for climate action is now, adding that negotiators at the UN Climate Conference must show ambition and solidarity to save the future.
Lesotho delegation at the conference is led by the Minister of Energy Meteorology, Mohapi Mohapinyane.